Streetlights delay after issues with contractor

Ben O’Connell

Northumberland’s street-lighting modernisation project has temporarily come to a halt due to an issue with a sub-contractor.

Now in its third year and with approximately 68 per cent of works complete, the county council has been working with Galliford Try, with all work originally due to be completed by spring 2018.

However, due to the main sub-contractor for electrical and civil engineering works going into administration, work has temporarily ceased.

Coun Glen Sanderson, cabinet member for environment and local services, said: “We are very disappointed that this issue has arisen on the project and we are doing all we can to work with Galliford Try to successfully complete the project at the earliest possible time.

“It is expected that work will recommence in mid to late November.“

A Galliford Try spokesman said: “We regret the delay with this project which has been caused by circumstances outside our control.

“We are currently well on our way to sourcing an alternative sub-contractor to complete the work as quickly as possible and will provide updates about the schedule as soon as we can.”